Press Release: A co-ordinated European response required to ensure viability of fishing industry

At the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, which took place in Brussels on 19-20 September 2005, the Irish Marine Minister, Pat the Cope Gallagher, called as part of an integrated response, for the establishment of a major new European-Wide Marine Research Plan, designed to improve the fuel efficiency of fishing vessels. He also sought from the Commission immediate approval for the Irish Government's proposed €45 million decommissioning scheme for the whitefish fleet.